College is a sanctuary for education and academia. It’s a place where students discover themselves, their passions, and what they want to do with their future. It’s the place where different generations come together to teach each other and expand knowledge to make the world a better place to be…

But the college dorms can get a bit nasty.

Hundreds of adolescents living in small quarters? An average of two people per matchbox-sized room does not make for ideal living conditions. Sure, it’s fun to live in a building with a bunch of people your age who have similar interests and are probably totally down to try to make jello with you in your dorm room, but there are some things you should watch out for, because in such close quarters, nasty things can be contagious.

1. LiceMost people at some point in their lives have been ridden with these nasty insects that seek solace in our hair–especially young children. Recently,Huntington University in Indiana has had an outbreak of lice within its dorms. Lice spread easily, so it makes sense that a bunch of almost 20-somethings living in close quarters would have a break out. If you notice you’re scratching your head, or any read bumps on your head or neck, avoid resting on your roommate’s pillow and head straight for the shower with some get-rid-of-lice shampoo.

3. VirusesWe’ve all been hit with a bug before, but in the confined spaces of a college dorm, viruses have a way of spreading even faster. According to the Huffington Post, this week at George Washington University about 85 students have been struck by norovirus. Remember, washing your hands can go a long way in the college dorms.

4. Bad HabitsOne of the most contagious, terrible things that goes viral in a college dormitory are the nasty habits, like procrastination, bad hygiene, and unhealthy life choices. Maybe your roommate hasn’t showered in a few days, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. You also don’t have to have wild nights out on school nights or before big exams because the cool kids down the hall are. There are enough opportunities to have fun in college, so there is no need to sacrifice your health or your grades to succumb to bad habits.

Have you come across any gross things in the college dorms? Share your story in the comment section below!